BORN YESTERDAY Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "born yesterday" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is naive, inexperienced, or easily fooled, implying that they lack knowledge or common sense due to a lack of life experience. This phrase is derived from the literal meaning of being born recently, suggesting that the individual has not had enough time to acquire wisdom or develop critical thinking skills typically gained with age.
Metaphorically, when referring to a person, "born yesterday" suggests that they are gullible or easily swayed in matters pertaining to deceit, manipulation, or trickery. It implies a vulnerability to being taken advantage of, as they lack the discernment to identify dishonesty or ulterior motives in others. This phrase can also convey a sense of condescension or dismissiveness towards someone who is perceived as intellectually inferior or unsophisticated.
"Born yesterday" can also be used to describe situations, ideas, or objects that are considered to be newly introduced or lacking established credibility. It implies a lack of proven track record, reliability, or effectiveness. In similar contexts, it can indicate that something is perceived as rudimentary, archaic, or outdated when compared to contemporary or more advanced alternatives.
Overall, the phrase "born yesterday" embodies the concept of inexperience, vulnerability, and naivety, whether referring to an individual or a concept, highlighting a lack of acquired wisdom or awareness.
Common Misspellings for BORN YESTERDAY
- vorn yesterday
- norn yesterday
- horn yesterday
- gorn yesterday
- birn yesterday
- bkrn yesterday
- blrn yesterday
- bprn yesterday
- b0rn yesterday
- b9rn yesterday
- boen yesterday
- bodn yesterday
- bofn yesterday
- botn yesterday
- bo5n yesterday
- bo4n yesterday
- borb yesterday
- borm yesterday
- borj yesterday
- borh yesterday
Etymology of BORN YESTERDAY
The phrase "born yesterday" is a common idiom used to describe someone who is considered naive or lacking in worldly experience. The etymology of the phrase can be traced back to the early 17th century in England, with the specific usage becoming popularized in the 18th century.
The word "born" in this context refers to the literal act of being born, indicating that someone is recent or new to the world. The phrase is often used metaphorically to suggest that someone is inexperienced or gullible, as if they were just born yesterday and therefore unaware of the ways of the world.
The origin of this idiom is not definitively known, but it is believed to have been influenced by biblical references.
Idioms with the word BORN YESTERDAY
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be born yesterday
The idiom "be born yesterday" is used to describe someone who is seen as naive, lacking worldly experience, or easily deceived.
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not born yesterday
The idiom "not born yesterday" means that someone is not naive or easily fooled. It suggests that the person is aware and knowledgeable about the ways of the world, often having experienced or learned from past situations.
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I wasn't born yesterday
The idiom "I wasn't born yesterday" is a figurative expression used to convey the idea that one is not easily fooled or deceived. It implies that the person has enough experience or intelligence to see through someone's deceitful or manipulative tactics.
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not be born yesterday
The idiom "not be born yesterday" means that someone is not naive or easily fooled. It implies that the person has enough experience and knowledge to recognize deceit or manipulation.
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born yesterday
If someone says that a person was "born yesterday," they mean that the person is naive, gullible, or inexperienced. The idiom implies that the person is easily fooled or taken advantage of due to their lack of knowledge or understanding.
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I/he/she wasn't born yesterday!
This idiom is used to convey that someone is not naïve or easily deceived. It implies that the person has enough life experience to see through deceit or manipulation.
Similar spelling words for BORN YESTERDAY
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